June 07, 2024
Heart of Hospitality – Celebrating LGBTQ Trailblazers This Pride Month
The essence of hospitality is about creating spaces where everyone feels welcome, seen, and accepted. At ROY, we strive to connect emotionally through our design, understanding that, at our core, we are more alike than different. This month, we spotlight hospitality thought leaders who are not only paving the way for LGBTQ representation in the industry but also doing incredible things.
We are proud to be allies, employers, and supporters of all walks of life because we believe our differences make us stronger and better.
Join us in celebrating the heart of hospitality this Pride Month as we honor those who make our industry vibrant, inclusive, and exceptional.
HAGS: A Culinary Haven of Inclusivity and Innovation
HAGS, a fine-dining gem in New York City’s East Village, was founded by chef Telly Justice and sommelier Camille Lindsley. Celebrated for its explicit queer identity and unwavering commitment to inclusivity, HAGS offers both vegan and omnivore tasting menus. The duo envisioned a welcoming space for all, especially the LGBTQ+ community, drawing from their rich backgrounds in vegetarian and vegan cooking and fine dining. Their innovative, high-quality dishes reflect this unique blend. HAGS also champions accessibility with initiatives like “pay what you can” dinners, underscoring their dedication to community and equity in dining. Infused a personality forward through Instagram and its website, their spirit shines through. Check out their ‘Pay What You Can’ brunch.
Wave Flag!
MOTHER: A Beacon of Belonging
A dyke bar where all queers are welcome isn’t just serving some of the best cocktails in San Francisco; it’s leading the way in creating a profound sense of belonging that extends far beyond its four walls. This vibrant space sponsors a dodgeball league, hosts sporting watch parties, and is proudly featured at this year’s Frameline Film Festival. Their deep connection to the community is truly inspiring, making every visit a celebration of unity and inclusivity.
Come Around
Culinary Icons: Rita Sodi and Jody Williams
Rita Sodi and Jody Williams, acclaimed self-taught chefs and James Beard Award winners, have co-founded some of the most beloved restaurants in New York’s West Village, including Via Carota, newly remodeld I Sodi, Buvette, Bar Pisellino, and The Commerce Inn. Known for their commitment to authentic, high-quality cooking inspired by Tuscan and French cuisine, they have also launched Via Carota Craft Cocktails, ready-to-serve beverages. Thanks to this NYT recipe, we’ve had the pleasure of making their iconic Via Cartoa Insalata Verde for many dinner parties.
Dynamic Duo
Casements: Celebrating Diversity and Heritage
If Ireland had a beer garden in the Mission District of San Francisco, owned and operated by a passionate lesbian, this is what it would look like. “Serving stellar cocktails on one of the city’s best patios,” as praised by the New York Times, this enchanting spot is more than just a place to drink—it’s a celebration of heritage and diversity.
Inspired by the remarkable story of Roger Casement, an Irish-born poet and human rights pioneer who exposed colonial atrocities in the Congo in the 1890s and later championed Ireland’s fight for independence, this beer garden embodies the spirit of resilience and self-determination.
Their commitment to inclusivity extends beyond San Francisco. In Palm Springs, their bottle shop, PSBS, offers a curated selection of wine, beer, and specialty foods from LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and Women entrepreneurs. This dedication to supporting diverse communities and creating welcoming spaces is at the heart of their mission, making every visit a celebration of unity and excellence.
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HI Tops: A Modern-Day Cheers
A gay sports-bar-themed concept that nails the branding and truly delivers an unmet need, this vibrant spot serves craft cocktails, quality beers, and elevated bar food with meticulous attention to detail. From the thoughtfully designed interiors to the polished website and event branding, it has become a modern-day Cheers for the community. Starting in San Francisco over ten years ago, it has expanded to two additional locations in Los Angeles. And don’t miss their Fried Chicken sandwich—it’s second to none.
Top or bottom?
George Cardon-Bystry: Community Builder and Co-Founder of Edison House
George Cardon-Bystry, co-founder of Edison House with his brother Charlie, is an adventurer at heart. He balances his passions for hospitality, piano, and outdoor escapades with his husband and dogs. His global travels and decade-long exploration of vibrant cities inspired him to bring a sense of strong community and cultural richness back to their hometown of Salt Lake City. With Edison House, their goal is to foster genuine social connections and create a lively, artistic atmosphere through a one-of-akind memerbisip club. Keep on eye these guys, we’ve got a hunch they are just getting started.
connect
Foreign National: The Hidden Gem of Seattle
Queer owned, this psychedelic Capitol Hill spot is the line that starts forming after 8pm and the place to be. Otherwise, the unassuming door along Pike Street might go unnoticed. Step inside, and you’ll chain curtains, a room bustling and chatter a buzz, delicious tropical drinks, and intoxicating shadows cast by a mosaic-tiled disco ball. Add in a cheeseburger bao, and it’s clear why Foreign National is one of the best in Seattle. Don’t take it from us, the NYT named them one of 25 Best Restaurants in Seattle and they were a Regional Top 10 Nominee for Tales of the Cocktail.
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